Bashir Dalhatu, chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has condemned what he described as the intentional sabotage of the Dangote Refinery.
Speaking during a BoT meeting held on Tuesday in Kaduna, Dalhatu said the controversy surrounding the newly completed facility is “deeply unfathomable and unacceptable.”
He alleged that “unpatriotic unions backed by hidden cabals” were behind attempts to cripple the refinery, which he described as a strategic national asset.
“These people must be told in no uncertain terms that they are working on behalf of the enemies of Nigeria and Nigerians, the living and the generations yet unborn,” he said. The ACF BoT chairman called on the federal government to take “urgent and decisive” steps to protect the facility, describing it as a symbol of the country’s economic aspirations.
Dalhatu also commended the armed forces and other security agencies for their efforts in tackling insurgency and banditry in the north.
“The ACF remains deeply grateful to men and women in uniform who risk and lose their lives to keep the region and the country safe,” he said.
He, however, urged military authorities to constantly review their strategies in order to minimise casualties among security personnel and stay ahead of evolving threats.
On internal matters, Dalhatu expressed concern over recent instances where senior ACF officials issued conflicting statements to the media.
“The ACF today stands in great need of a firm protocol that should guide and regulate the manner in which officials speak about our affairs,” he said.
The meeting also reviewed preparations for the forum’s Silver Jubilee celebration scheduled to take place in Kaduna from November 20 to 22, 2025.
Dalhatu said the anniversary would be an opportunity to reposition the ACF for future relevance and national impact.
The BoT further raised concerns over the emergence of splinter groups in the region, warning that the trend could dilute the collective voice and unity of northern Nigeria.
“Our strength lies in our unity, in pooling resources together and in speaking with one voice on all matters affecting our people,” Dalhatu said.
On the 2027 general elections, Dalhatu reiterated the forum’s non-partisan position. He said, “Although ACF members may belong to political parties of their choice, as an organization, ACF is politically non-partisan and would not support one party over the other.”
He added that the forum remains committed to advocating for democracy, good governance, and the unity of the country.
